Excercise - Weekly Log: Been a month since my last post

Hello All Well - how brief can the turning of a new leaf be? Very brief if you live in my world. Between new job work-load, travel to and from multiple UK cities, and a social life, the whole fitness thing has kind of been forgotten again. Still managing to train once or twice a week, and had a game of tennis for the first time in ages the other day. Still doing bits and bobs of running and cycling too, but not on the scale of 'the good old days' :) But now we have some proper weather (finally - damn the UK climate, I say!, so I'll be more inclined to work hard outside. Getting an allotment soon too, so that'll give me plenty of greese for my elbow from now on. Don't worry for me - I'll not balloon and generate my own gravitational pull on the back of lack of exercise - just have to grab the opp's when they present themselves, keep eating decent grub (had a week long fall from 'the wagon' there too recently but that's another Burger-king and Ice-cream flavoured story). So - just enjoying the summer and life at the mo, and will try to maintain stuff until the gloom sets in again and I'm confined once again to places with weather cover :) (1) Comments

Posted: 6/17/2008 5:40:29 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Yay - much better

This week, I've made a more concerted effort to get out in the sun and train as much as I can. So this weeks achievements include (aside from multiple bbqs, games of rounders, and getting sozzled on the grass): 1 Run - first of the summer so hurt a lot, but managed ok. Had to 'scout's pace' it for a couple of bursts (as I always keep the same pace, regardess of my level of fitness) 2 weights sessions - one all bodyweight (so puchups, situps and pullups), and one on my back using free-weights. 1 Good 1hr session on my bike (indoor - exercise bike). Upshot is as per normal, I go straight back into it, noproblem, and even end up pushing weights / reps up. Just got to get that fitness level up again now, and I'm good for the summer. still no abs though :( Must work on this. (0) Comments

Posted: 5/13/2008 5:49:02 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Struggle sturggle struggle

Still not going to plan. Either away from home, and thus no time, or just flopping on the sofa at the end of long long days. Need to re-awaken myself (AGAIN!) and get craking. Have it in mind to do a sort of CV / Weights split again (after quiite a lazy winter). Aiming for Tues / Thurs - weights & Mon / Wed / Fri running/cycling. Then whatever @ the weekend. So - will improve from now on in, but rubbish recently :) (0) Comments

Posted: 5/6/2008 4:26:44 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: God - how do people do a 'proper' job AND keep fit?

It's been a real struggle recently. New job means lots of travel to London and back, big paid-for lunches, and late finishes/early starts. So - I've mainly been using my free-time to socialise where possible and kip as I generally really need it these days :) But the odd training session happening, and the recent sunshine has at least led to me going out on the bike once or twice and I'm thinking about running again now too. So - maybe this week (now the whirlwind of my induction is passed) it'll start to get back to normal, and I can begin traingning again. hope so - all these lunches are leading to a rejuvination of my paunch. (2) Comments

Posted: 4/28/2008 4:22:23 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: No time for fitness - new job crazyness!

Hi all Well - as per I've been out and about and keeping myself active. Been training at home since leaving my last job - no gym on site in my new role, so just having to fit it in over the weekends and in evenings when I'm capable. Sun's out today (although it DID snow on my way to work this morning), so maybe it's about the right time to re-start outdoor running and cycling sessions to get trim, and fitter, ready for the summer. Anyhow - I hope everyone had a great Easter (I did, but it made my head hurt), and now that sping's on it's way (for us trapped in the UK, at least) maybe things will begin to 'look up'. And my new job is a bit mental too - lots of names and faces to take in, and that's before I start to get into the role itself. But I got a new lap-top (which will explain any dodgy/missed keystrokes) and a smart new blackberry too, so not all bad. In fact, it seems to be a really great role for me, and I'm really looking forward to getting my teetch into it. But also very keen to get fitter this summer, so aiming not to get too caught up in the office, but to balance it with tennis and sunshine based activities. Watch this space :) (0) Comments

Posted: 4/7/2008 5:14:18 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Bank Holiday is too much fun for Exercise :)

I did normal Easter stuff instead of exercise over the holiday, so little to report really. did, however, go to Alton Towers yesterday (in the snow I might add), and that was lots of fun :) (0) Comments

Posted: 3/26/2008 5:33:32 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Another dull week

Nearly finished my job now, and soon can move onto much brighter pastures, where the net-fascists won't stop me looking at news site, and facebook may become my friend again :) As for exercise - pretty standard week. Weights most days, and stretching lots too. And tennis starts this Friday, aqnd will contiunue throughout the summer! Woo Yay (0) Comments

Posted: 3/17/2008 4:44:35 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Week of partying makes exercise difficult

Hey Not gonna dress it up. This week my car is fixed - woo. I got a brill new job, on great money, closer to home. So I went out and celebrated in a big way! My head hurts from a 3 day party :) As for exercise, I think I did a few sessions last week, but it's all a bit fuzzy. Turning a new-leaf this week (again!) so back on it again! (0) Comments

Posted: 3/10/2008 4:51:10 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Oh dear - another sickly week

Oh dear oh dear oh dear. I have not been to the gym since last Monday, as got laid low by ANOTHER cold-bug. My office is rife with it - sickness bugs, flu-things, etc. but much better now, so aiming to re-start today. And I feel really crappy as it's been too long without exercise. A bit ant-sy - like I'm climbing the walls or summut. Must get rid of excess energy! Catrharisis required, urgently :) (0) Comments

Posted: 2/25/2008 2:31:22 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Rubbish

Bad Week. Manage to get to the gym a few times, and managed one run, but car broke, and I'm broke (skint) so all is pants. Can't afford to go out much, and go anywhere, and that's made me inclined to be lazy. Pottered about in garden lots, went for a nice Sunday lunch, and generally lazed about. Must get car fixed and do better ASAP! (0) Comments

Posted: 2/18/2008 3:42:57 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Not such a good week this time.

I've had a bit of an abboration this week, in terms of exercise. Didn't feel very good Mon/Tues so slacked off from the gym. Did train Wed-Fri, but still not 100% so left the CV out. So not been on bike ALL week. Then went out partying on Saturday, and that was aheavy one so that's ended my weekend. So - need to get back on it this week. No slacking! Just hard work! And lots of sleep as party went on ALL NIGHT. (0) Comments

Posted: 2/11/2008 4:25:52 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Slowed towards the end, but another good week.

I've had a bit of a rest over this weekend, as I keep getting to a point where I ache all over, and cannot be arsed to do anything. I reckon it's a diet thing. I've upped my training significantly over the past month or so (with a view to finally being triathlon fit for the summer), and have not upped my calorific intake in unisen. So I think I've been finding my energy levels reaching ZERo and then just falling onto the sofa till the next day. So - I have a plan (as per - but again, as per, it might eb a crap one!). I need to eat more, and not just eat anything. So I've begun by making up and freezing lots of really good (but hearty - generally old skool brit' grub) for times when I'd normally not eat (ie. late at night, at home, or weekend lunctimes). So - packed away (this weekend into freezer) loads of pre-made smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes, pasta-bakes, shappards/cottage pies, lasagnes ad lots of other goodies. Aiming to get 2000-2500 kcal / day for the next few weeks, then as the running (and hopefully the sunshine) returns, then up it all again towards the 3,000 kcal mark for proper training. This week - more cross-fit, more exercise bike, more swimming, and MORE FOOD! I feel a bit guilty when @ the pub though. Lots of people whining about needing to lose weight, and how diff' it is, then ordering 2*chicken salad and explaining that I need the calories. Hey ho, if that lots did as much as I did, then they'd not be so bloomin' lardy eh? But it's hard to explain it to people, without seeming to be the smuggest man alive (which I may, incidentally be anyway!). Onward and upward once more. (1) Comments

Posted: 2/5/2008 4:35:23 AM

Qualifications and Learning: CrossFit - WOW

This week I've been trialling a new training regime from the US (I know - what sensible ideas EVER came from the US eh?, but in this case I reckon them Yanks have craked it!). It's called Cross-fit, and has rcently been used in Hollywood for intense (short-term) training regimes to get actors ready for films like 300. The idea is to train all areas of your body, intensivly in short bursts, using exercises most gym-officionadoes either have no idea of, or generally don't use very much. For example the other day a session involved running 400m @ 12-15km/hr (a good running pace), then do 20 pull-ups, then 20 push-ups. Then repeat the cycle over and over for 30m. As you can imagine that makes for one heavy exercise session. It seems to be a very clever way to work lots of muscles, very hard indeed, and still utilise your heart and lungs to make aerobic and Cardio-Vascular gains, very rapidly. There's a web-site from the guys who invented (or maybe just applied the name) that can be found @ http://www.crossfit.com/ which has a daily program for those who are feeling adventurous. A word of warning though (and to try to ensure I'm not sued by anyone). Be very aware that one should warm up seriously before these programs (and not just a few namby pamby stretches - spend 10m on it) as you'll be prone to injury if you don't. Also, please don't just dive into the routines if you're overweight, not at all fit, or suffering any other form of dabilitation. You'll hurt yourself and that's not good. Start slowly, and with little weight, and build up over a month or so. That way you'll get huge gains (if you're starting from a very low base) and in a short time can progress to the proper regime. I can vouch for it managing to reach muscle groups you didn't even know were there, and you'll gain rapidly for as little as 30m exercise per day. Further explaination @ http://www.crossfit.com/cf-info/what-crossfit.html Enjoy! :) (0) Comments

Posted: 2/1/2008 10:43:26 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Another Week, another weight-loss!

Watcha peeps Hope everyone's good, and feeling the start of the upturn towards summer. Less rain this week, more sunshine, and lighter evenings are making me think of the inevitable abundance of evening time coming my way for the summer, the amount of tennis, gardening and sun-bathing that I'll do and this is making me smile this week! Last week was good. Exercised lots - gym averyday @ luinchtimes from work, and exercise bike when I get home. Having to eat lots more just to keep the energy levels up, and still losing the belly. Reckon I'm gonna be fine for a triathlon this summer, and may even look my prettiest yet on the beach too! Keeping up the good work for as long as I can frmo now. Watch me go. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! (2) Comments

Posted: 1/28/2008 3:55:01 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Weekly Log - ish :)

Well - what can I say. The rain is upon us, and it's still deepest, darkest winter in England. So - aside from social engagements (this week I've been out for a lovely italian meal with my ex-girlfriend, fallen off my new bmx countless times, and have a free manicure on tonight from a nice lady who's recently qualified and needs a guinea pig - I've not done anything that girly before, but I'm pretty open to trying stuff so why not eh?), I've managed 2 30miles exercise bike stints, and a couple of trips to the gym too. Really starting to lose the last of my belly now (it's taking ages - must be getting old), and I reckon pretty soon, I'll be swanning around sans top, with no qualms about looking rotund. And that's mission accomplished! Then it's onto massive amounts of CV and aerobic work to get fit enough to run in a Triathlon this summer. Maybe a cheeky sprint one (1/2 distances) first to 'dip a toe' but then it's running, cycling and swimming (plus much bmx foolishness, surfing, climbing, etc) throuighout the summer. I've made the decision that I'd like to travel at the end of next summer. Either a big surf-trip taking in Western France, the Canaries, Indonesia, Oz, NZealand and finally the 60-footers in Hawaii. Or to China, to spend some time in a Zen Buddhist Monestary, as I'm thinking of taking up the Zen Buddhist path to enlightenment. I know I know - I diss' religion on quite a regular basis but Zen is very different. It's like religion without the mumbo-jumbo and mysticsm. Ie. Zen says that there is no god - one must live within one's own concience, and be honest enough to accept (and repair) anything you do wrong. But eually Zen is routed in the practise of meditation and martial arts practise. Stealing/sharing some alements of the philosophy of Yoga, ThaiChe and various martial arts. It's about knowing oneself, accepting oneself, and most importantly resisting attachment to an ever changing world. I struggled with ths idea, as I felt it sounded like love was out. But it's about not falling in love with an ideal of a person, but accepting them, the way that they change and falling in love over and over again on a daily basis. Both poetic, sensible, and above all in line with my views already. So - there you go. Not much posted in ages and then a bomb-shell. I suppose that's just me. Hope all of you well out in blog-world (wouldn't that be a strange place in the real world?). (2) Comments

Posted: 1/16/2008 4:10:21 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Another brief post I'm afraid

Exercise bike arrived this week - Woo! So been hitting that an hour a night (racked up 150km+), alongside normal gym-based activities. So - training lots, feeling well, and getting results. Good stuff. (0) Comments

Posted: 1/7/2008 4:08:25 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Another Week, and really getting into things now

I've been making the most of my multiple gym memberships, and have managed to go at least once every day since breaking for Crimbo. Kept this up so far, and intend to do so into the NY and from now on so I'll look dead pretty on the beach this summer. Vein, Yes! But if we're honest why else (apart from that healthy, glowing feeling) would you train? Have a good NYE (party hardy!) and hope 2008 is grand for all! (2) Comments

Posted: 12/31/2007 3:21:13 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Tra la la la la lah lah lah lah - and all halls decked!

So – The Crimbo Holidays. A time for gluttony and piling on the pounds, but I managed to avoid that this year. By carefully dividing my time between partying (almost every night till at least 4am), and then eating big and hitting the gym as soon as compos mentis again, I’ve avoided that quite well. I’ve spent the past week eating, drinking, dancing and sleeping, and when not doing that then training. Not put on any weight, very tired (even after a supposed holiday) and actually not missed a day’s training. Also – just ordered a new exercise bike for use @ home, so I don’t have to waste my very short lunch-time gym sessions on CV work, and any time I’d normally spend at home, in front of the telly can now be spent on my new bike, dropping calories and body fat! Although it’ll have to share my leisure time with my other passion (also made worse over Crimbo): Darts! Got a really nice (pro-quality) dart-board as a prezzy so that’ll take up some of my time too eh? I know how to live don’t I? Non-stop exercise and darts ;) (0) Comments

Posted: 12/27/2007 4:47:35 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Another good week

Hi all Had another good week, with using gym @ lunch, training when I can at home, and aside from the usual crimbo lunches and festive chockies, I' managing OK. Not much else to report really. Weather's rubbish so mainly indoors at the moment, and everyone seems to have gone into hibernation mode so social scene (again, aside from crimbo sillyness seems to be evaporating). (0) Comments

Posted: 12/17/2007 5:35:25 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Another top week

Good good good. Big sets on chest and legs this week, some additonal work on forearms (to make me better for tennis next year), and lots of other stuff too. So done lots, doing lots and getting on. And thatnks to those who left me comments along the lines of 'where are you?' - nice to feel missed every once in a while (whether genuine or not ;) ). this week I are mainly looking forward to an 70's/80's themed disco on Friday. I'm going as a kid from fame and if feeling brave may even post the resulting catastrophe! See ya kids! (0) Comments

Posted: 12/10/2007 10:14:45 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Brilliant

What a great week. New gym memb'means 4 visits a week (at lunchtimes except friday which = pub day) + working out at home. So last week I felt good, exercised lots and am feeling bvetter and better as I get more into it all again! (2) Comments

Posted: 12/4/2007 10:52:12 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Much Better Thanks

Yay - feeling fine and dandy for the first time in ages. Had a weekend of relaxation really. Lots done about the house - tidying up, fising stuff, washing and DIY, and at last it feels like a home again, and a little less like student digs. I've been amazed how quickly a once tranquil and homely pad, can be transformed into a squat by a few weekends out on the sauce, and no clean-ups in between. I won't tell you what was found behind sofa-cushions and under rugs but it was a state! But much more habitable now! Phew. Training going better too. Have joined a new gym (so that's 2 gym memberships for the time being) closer to work. Initially on a 12 day trial period, but may make it perminant soon. They've got a pool and sutff which will be good for training for Triathlons - I AM GOING TO DO ONE THIS SUMMER! Might give up the one nearer to home, as never go, and have the facilities to train at home, so can't really justify the cost of 2 memberships. But this week I've been hitting my legs as I'm aware they're a little sparrow-like. Must be bacuase I've been rubbish recently with running and cycling - lost all of the muscle I had, so need to get back on it ASAP! So - lots of leg weights, and lots of running/cycling/swimming. Onward! and with renewed Viguour! (0) Comments

Posted: 11/26/2007 5:22:27 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Hmmmmm - thought curtails exercise

Not a bad week this week. Didn’t start well, as was very busy and had my car off the road, which makes going out and about quite difficult (especially as I live in the middle of nowhere). It should have meant I had lots of time, and the inclination (through boredom) to get training even more than before. Didn’t work out that way I’m afraid. Spent the week (and this weekend) in a thoughtful mood, over my future (I know – too heavy). So to be honest I’ve not given much thought to training, but have managed a couple of sessions during the week (3, I think), including one last night hitting bits I normally miss: Tricep Extensions, Lots of sit-ups and crunches, side-bends and back extensions. Means I ache a lot today, and in some slightly odd places. But feels like I’ve managed to hit a few bits I’d normally skip over, so that can’t be bad. With Car fixed and that out of the way (and thus worries about it’s cost) , and I think I’m getting my own head straight too – women and money issues eh? Guaranteed to bring a slightly over-sensitive soul like myself to his knees. Too much stress. My solution is that money is money and I’m not going to think about it too much, and on the other hand if a friendship or relationship I value highly, is not working out, then it’s time to just move on. Look for the happiness and not what feels morally right or normal (or any other of those stupid words that mean just doing what everyone else does). So – this week I’m on (yet another) ‘new leaf’. More running and training, more fruit and proper food, and lots less worry about the minutia of life, remembering at all times that they are trivial and should not have the power to make me unhappy! God – what a moaning Minnie! I’ll be back to my chirpy best next week. Promise! (0) Comments

Posted: 11/19/2007 4:48:41 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Back on it

A much better week again, now the lurgy has passed. Still feels a bit chilly out for running in the evenings (I always have to pursuade myself, at the start of each winter that it's a good idea) but the strangth training is going well. Reckon I've regained all my weight/strength from last season, and am working on adding even more before a big puch for fitness from Crimbo onwards. So - lots of weight training, lots of boxing and stuiff @ home, but getting there again! (0) Comments

Posted: 11/12/2007 3:38:26 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Last week - OK

Right Quick one, as I'm dead busy. Training OK, but some missed due to being a bit lurgeyed (again!). But back on it this week! (2) Comments

Posted: 11/8/2007 9:16:07 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Another good week

So another week, and the clocks gone back. So dark evenings and slightly lighter mornings. Bot good for me as I like to train in the evenings and my Frank Spenserish sense for walking into danger means the risk of being run-over, falling down a man-hole or some such calamity is increase exponentially. So - I am planning to get to the Gym ASAP (have been training outside / at hiome all summer / autumn), and maintain all of my good work. But this pasy week or so, I've maintained the weight training, as best I could, and aside from that managed to get away for a few days for a good surf. It's been too long for me, and I've been missing the waves for ages. No-one else seems up for it these days, especially in the winter. So - luckilly, a new, and favourite friend of mine (you get the jist - looks better in a wet-suit / more use for keeping warm in the evenings), agreed to come away, and we had a lot of fun, messing around in the surf, trying to stand up, and freezing our arses off after as we ran from the sea to my car. Lots of exercise (surfing is the BEST EXERCISE EVER!), lots of good food, a bit too much to drink and some biscuits demolished, but all in all a healthy few days away. Also helped that the company was brilliant, and I'd needed a break for a while. And we stayed in a tiny surf-pod (like a shed with fridge and heater), which was great fun too. All cosy and just like a wooden tent really! Roll on the next trip - ASAP I say! Might have to buy a van and head off to Europe next season on a big surf-a-thon! (1) Comments

Posted: 10/29/2007 4:56:17 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: Yet another good week. Wow! Must be ill or something.

Yes - had another week of heavy training, so all good at present. Need to start to think about my fitness again now, as want to start triathlons properly this summer. So - from tonight, it's one night CV/fitness then one night @ the gym/training @ home. This week - done lots more weights to strengthen my legs and shoulders for running / cycling / swimming, and now to make them last the distance too. I intend to keep it up too, so here's to a winter of getting fit and healthy. (2) Comments

Posted: 10/15/2007 5:03:34 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: another BRILLIANT week!

Finally – a week where I feel like it’s all coming back. I’m the first to admit I’ve been a little lax this summer, with regard my training. Something to do with the Triathlon being replaced by a holiday. And I’ve been struggling to find the motivation to get back into it on a proper level, then even when I found that, struggled to retain any of my old fitness – which is a bit de-motivating. But now – after 3 or 4 weeks of training, I’m getting back all that I’d lost over the summer. By the end of Sept’ I’d lost ½ a stone, and all of my fitness so started back, having to drop weights all over (ie. Couldn’t push the same as before) and rebuild running stamina. But this week I’ve . . . . Trained (weights) 4 times, all over, and regained my ability to push old weights too. Run twice, and done other fun stuff like mountain boarding so a tip-top, healthy weekend. That was added to by 2 good, early nights and a diet of pure goodness. The bad weather last week sent me into wholesome food mode, and I made beef stew and Sheppard’s pie. So a hearty eating, exercising weekend. Yay! (0) Comments

Posted: 10/8/2007 4:38:17 AM

Excercise - Weekly Log: These are no longer weekly, so this covers from the last one to now - the 1st October, 2007

A good week this week. Think the poor weather's helped as bugger-all else to go out and do. So this week I've done 3 good weight sessions, and am already back to pre-slacking wieghts. Managed to batter pretty much all areas and even starting to put the weight I lost back on (in a good way - muscle not chub). So - I reckon I aim to continue for as long as poss', until the sun returns and I can play tennis again! So - I'll report back soon (ish). (2) Comments

Posted: 10/1/2007 3:20:36 AM

Things that make me happy!: I am now UNCLE TOM

As of Friday night / Saturday AM, I am now an Uncle. My Sister; Amy, gave birth to a son: Alfie Thomas Raper (he's got my name for a middle-name which is great). Pics of said proud uncle with new arrival available but due to my being pretty IT-illiterate, I can't work out how to show them online. Any help gratefully received : ) (2) Comments

Posted: 9/19/2007 4:02:46 AM